Animal Science Showcase

Doris Mold - Achievement in Industry

Doris Mold has spent her whole life dedicated to the agriculture industry and its people. Doris graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Bachelor of Science degree as a triple major in Agricultural Education, Animal Science and Applied Economics in 1985. She then went on to earn her Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics in 1994. In between earning her college degrees, Doris served as an Administrative Manager Trainee for the Nutrena Feeds Division of Cargill, as a Research Assistant for the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, at the St. Paul Student Center as a Program Coordinator and Consultant and as an Agricultural Research Seminar Instructor for MAST International through CFANS.

In March of 1996, Doris started a new role with MAST International as an Agricultural Public Relations and Public Speaking Instructor. She then transitioned into serving as the Agricultural Marketing Seminar Instructor for MAST International where she served in this role until 2003. Also, during this time, Doris served as an Agricultural Economist for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and an Agricultural Economist, also for the University of Minnesota.

Since August of 1987, Doris has served as the Milking Parlor Superintendent and Moo Booth Coordinator at the Minnesota State Fair and is still actively involved in this role. Doris has also served a longtime role as a Farm and Agri-Business Management Instructor for MAST International in CFANS, and currently teaches for the program one day a week on the University of Minnesota campus. In 2004, Doris began her work as the co-owner of Sunrise Dairy Farm in addition to her working as an Agricultural Consultant for Sunrise Agricultural Associates, LLC since August of 1984, where Doris is now President. Most recently, Doris has taken on the role of Co-CEO for the Annie’s Project through the Annie’s Project Education for Farm Women Foundation and began this role in 2019.

Throughout her storied career, Doris has published many papers, reports, articles, curriculum and more. She has also placed a large emphasis on volunteerism in her life, which includes time dedicated to serving as a CFANS mentor, 4-H evaluator, 4-H dairy project quiz bowl team coach, 4-H adult project leader and MAST International program volunteer. She is currently affiliated professionally with the American Agri-Women Presidents’ Council, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, Minnesota Agri-Women, Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference Chair, Women’s Agricultural Leadership Program, Lifetime FFA alumni member and Women’s Agricultural Leadership Foundation founder.

There are many words used to describe Doris, including farmer, agricultural advocate, educator, consultant, business owner and volunteer, to name a few. In one letter of support toward her nomination, a quote used to describe Doris is this: “You can tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building one other up instead of tearing each other down.” Congratulations, Doris!

Dr. Gene Rouse - Achievement in Academia

This year’s Golden Alumni Award recipient for Achievement in Academia is Dr. Gene Rouse, who has had a storied career in the beef cattle industry through Extension roles focused on livestock, serving as a professor and mentor and serving in industry roles. Dr. Gene Rouse earned his B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota in 1967. He then attended Iowa State University to earn his M.S. in 1969 and his Ph.D. in 1971, both in Animal Science.

Dr. Rouse’s professional experiences start with serving as the Area Extension Livestock Specialist for Northwest Iowa from 1971 - 1976. He then went on to serve as the State Extension Beef Cattle Specialist for Iowa State University from 1976 - 1981. Also in 1981, Dr. Rouse began serving as a Professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University with dual appointments in Teaching and Research. Most recently, Dr. Rouse served as the CEO of Iowa Quality Beef from 2005 until 2007. He ranks as Professor Emeritus of Animal Science from Iowa State University.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rouse has taught and mentored many Animal Science courses and students, which include overseeing the beef teaching unit at Iowa State, serving as co- principal investigator for beef cattle breeding projects and serving as the project leader for various research projects focused on beef cattle. He also served as an academic advisor to 35-40 undergraduate students annually and was an advisor for the Iowa State Block & Bridle club and Animal Science professional club. Dr. Rouse also advised the Beef Interest Group from 1982 until 2004, was an advisor for the Iowa State Animal Science VEISHEA display. From an industry standpoint, Dr. Rouse served as a nutritional consultant for two feedlots in Iowa and was a member of the American Society of Animal Science, where he chaired the Livestock Committee for beef from 1987 - 1988. Dr. Rouse was also a professional member of the Commodity Liaison Committee from 1987 - 1988.

As a faculty member at Iowa State, Dr. Rouse served on various committees for the university and Animal Science department. These include Beef Growth Symposium Program Committee, Academic Support Units, College of Agriculture Awards Committee, College of Agriculture Awards Committee Chairman, Brenton Center Advisory Board, RMC Logistics Committee Chair, All University Committee – Instructional Resource Committee, Animal Science Scholarship Awards Committee, Animal Science Electronic Audio-Tutorial Teaching Materials and Facilities Committee and the Animal Science Academic Support Units. He has also authored many refereed journals, abstracts, extension publications, popular articles, genetic evaluation reports, invited papers and other related materials related to the beef cattle industry. Dr. Rouse is most well-known for his research and advancement in beef cattle carcass ultrasound and its application to the beef cattle industry. Congratulations to Dr. Gene Rouse!

2021 Golden Alumni Award Recipient - Dale Heintz

2021 Golden Alumni Award Recipient - Dr. Fred Owens

2020 Golden Alumni Award Recipient - Dale Miller

2020 Golden Alumni Award Recipient - Dr. Onnie Byers